16-year-old arraigned for murder in stabbing death

HOLLAND TOWNSHIP, Mich. (NEWSCHANNEL 3) - A 16-year-old is charged with murder after deputies say he stabbed and killed an 18-year-old.

Victor Donaldson is accused of killing Ja'Paris Rodgers Thursday night on the sidewalk on Riley Ave. in Holland Township.

Donaldson's arraignment wrapped up, just a short time ago.Newschannel 3's Ryan Duffy was there. He's live now in Holland Township.

Investigators say the two teenagers involved, crossed paths on the sidewalk, where people are now leaving flowers and stuffed animals. They say it's likely both the victim and the suspect were gang members.

He is just 16, but prosecutors decided Victor Donaldson would be arraigned as an adult Friday afternoon in a Holland courtroom.

He was charged with open murder and denied any bail. He will also be moved from the juvenile detention center to the Ottawa County Jail.

Prosecutors say the victim had ties to a gang, and with recent gang violence in the juvenile detention center, there could be retaliation.

Just hours earlier, deputies say Rodgers was walking on Riley Ave. with a group of friends. They say Donaldson was also with friends when he approached Rodgers and stabbed him multiple times.

Friday, Rodgers' girlfriend left flowers on the spot where he was stabbed.

Deputies say it looks like Donaldson and Rodgers were both in gangs. They believe the two likely had a previous argument and knew each other. Investigators say it appears to be just by chance they crossed paths on Riley Ave. last night.

Donaldson's arraignment was delayed because the court wasn't able to find a parent or guardian to be with him, so instead the judge appointed an attorney to represent him prior to the arraignment.